Temple Israel Responds: Growing Economic Downturn Hitting Omaha Area

We write to tell you that Temple Israel is responding to the impact of the economic downturn on our congregants and our larger community.

If you know of someone in our congregation whose personal circumstances have been made more difficult by the economic crisis and is in need of help, please let them know that we are prepared to be of help. We urge you to contact a member of our clergy or Dennis DePorte, in absolute privacy, about how we can help deal with your specific concerns and needs.

We also appreciate that other congregants who are not affected by the economic downturn may be wondering how they can be of assistance. We are sending a letter to every household with further information about our response and ideas for how you may be able to help.  Also watch for ideas and requests in the Temple Tidings and on our website.

Working together once again, as compassionate Jews in difficult times, we can truly be a sacred and holy community.
Rabbi Aryeh Azriel
Dennis DePorte, Executive Director
Jon Meyers, President

I did something today that I have not done before and I feel great! by Susie Silverman

I volunteered with Temple’s Caring Committee to visit Temple members that are now living at the Blumkin Home and to bring them a “treat” and some conversation.  I was lucky, that for my first time, I accompanied Wendy Manvitz ( a seasoned veteran) on our visits.

Because I had spent so much time at “The Home” while my parents lived there in the late ‘80s I found myself unable to return there for all of these years.

Visiting, as we did today, is considered a Mitzvah but I think that I got more out of it than the people I visited. It is a truth that giving of yourself usually brings joy back to you tenfold. Today I am filled with joy and have made plans to visit the Blumkin Home again with The Temple Caring Committee ladies.

A Breakfast with Sam Fried by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel

Sam Fried has a powerful story to share.  We need to tell our people.  This man’s life project is to establish Heartland Holocaust Educational Fund, is a non-profit entity, in partnership with the Omaha Community Foundation scholarship to teach the holocaust in NE. This amazing treasure the monument commemorating the holocaust in Lincoln.  Our community and the general community should not ignore the need to hear the life stories of the survivors in our community.

Photo from the Jewish Press of Omaha. Frances and Sam Fried stand before the Wall of Remembrance they donated at the Holocaust Memorial in Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln. Fried was awarded an honorary doctorate last month by the University of Nebraska-Omaha for his role in Holocaust education.

Take a trip to Lincoln a half day.  Go and visit, it’s a place for student, teachers, he is organizing a wonderful project.

The Nebraska  Holocaust memorial is located on the grounds
of the Nebraska State Cemetery (WYUKA)
3900 O Street Lincoln Nebraska

Read more about a new fund to offer college courses on Holocaust.